Abstract: ‘Kakegawa S80’ is a new Calibrachoa cultivar particularly distinguished by having blue flowers with deep blue veins and a semi-creeping growth habit.

Abstract: Vaccinium ashei Reade ‘Ochlockonee’ is a Rabbiteye blueberry is distinguished by distinguished by its late bloom period, high and consistent productivity, large berry size, moderate chill requirement, late ripening, small berry scar, and high-quality fruit suitable for mechanical harvesting for the fresh market. The fruit of the plant is primarily used as fresh fruit for shipping, but is also suitable for customer-pick and processing markets.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of sweet cherry tree, Prunus avium, originating as a hybrid seedling of the cross: ‘Starks Gold’ (unpatented)בStella’ (unpatented). This new variety is unique from its parents and other sweet cherries varieties because it is late blooming, dark skinned, dark fleshed, and is self-fertile.

Abstract: This invention is a new and distinct cultivar of a zonal geranium (Pelargonium×hortorum) named ‘Freedom’ the cultivar has a brilliant array of colors within the plant's Dk. Red blossom and medium green foliage on a stable, full, well branched plant.

Abstract: A new Calibrachoa plant particularly distinguished by medium-sized, yellow-orange flowers with a red eye, early and continuous flowering, deep-green foliage with elliptical leaves, medium vigor, a bushy, low spreading to later prostrate or trailing and moderately compact plant habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Calibrachoa plant particularly distinguished by medium to large coral-pink flowers with red markings, early and continuous flowering, medium green foliage with small lanceolate leaves, and a moderately-vigorous, round, bushy, medium tight plant habit, and an initially spreading and later prostrate or trailing plant habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new variety of Grandiflora rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of golden orange coloration with a bronzy red reverse.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant that has abundant, deep pink flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year-round production in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Florence’, characterized by strikingly clear orange ray florets, RHS 29C (upper side); gray-purple disc florets (RHS 186A (tip) to light purple, RHS 76D (base)) when inflorescence opens; many ray florets (35) in 1½ whorl; gray-green young foliage, RHS 189 A; and narrow leaves with 8 distinct pointed lobes.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Ingbwit’ characterized by its large, rounded, white flowers, early flowering, green foliage, ball shaped growth habit with good basal branching and good vigor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hosta named ‘Prairie Sky’, that is characterized by its intensely blue foliage with leaves that are heart-shaped, slightly cupped and lightly puckered. ‘Prairie Sky’ has a vigorous growth habit and blooms in mid July to mid August with pale lavender flowers on erect scapes.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Schizachyrium scoparium, ‘MinnblueA’, that is characterized by its tall, narrow, upright form that does not lodge and its unique foliage color that is blue with highlights of burgundy in summer changing to a bright mixture of colors in fall including tones of purple, blue, red, pink, burgundy, and orange. ‘MinnblueA’ is further characterized by its ability to grow in a wide range of soil types including heavy clay, dry, and alkaline soils.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hosta named ‘Mourning Dove’, that is characterized by its unique variegated foliage of wedge-shaped leaves with blue-green centers and yellow-green margins comprising about one fourth of the leaf area. ‘Mourning Dove’ is a medium sized Hosta with a flat mounded plant habit that blooms in late summer with lavender flowers that arise on scapes held almost horizontal to the foliage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct short-day variety of strawberry plant named ‘PS-5016’. This new strawberry variety ‘PS-5016’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California, and is primarily characterized by its large plant size, vigorous growth rate with flowers visible above the plant for most of the year, large foliage size, light green in color and strongly concave in cross section, highly productive with fruit ripening beginning early, and produced fruit is small in size, medium red in color, conical in shape with excellent firmness, gloss and appearance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hosta named ‘High Society’, a sport of Hosta ‘June’, that is characterized by its unique variegated foliage with wide blue-green margins comprising about two thirds of the leaf area, centers that emerge yellow green turning to white, with intermediate areas of bright green. ‘High Society’ is a smaller Hosta, in comparison to ‘June’, with a mounded plant habit and pinkish white flowers held above the foliage that are present from late summer to early fall.

Abstract: A new variety of Callistemon viminalis plant named ‘Matthew Flinders’ that is characterized by dwarf and compact habit, fine leaves and numerous bright red “bottle brush” type flowers. In combination these traits set ‘Matthew Flinders’ apart from all other existing varieties of Callistemon known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Sedum plant named ‘Picolette’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and compact plant habit; freely basal branching growth habit; relatively short peduncles; and pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Taurus’ characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; does not become dormant during the winter; large rugose leaves with “corkscrew” bases; greyed green-colored leaves with dark green-colored spots and splotches and dark purple-colored centers and margins; and dark purple-colored leaf petioles.

Abstract: Shrub rose plant suitable for cut flower production in greenhouse conditions having upright growth and white blooms with a hint of pink blush and strong myrrh fragrance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Odyargos’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and vigorous growth habit; freely branching and freely flowering habit; dark green-colored foliage; large, rounded, salmon pink-colored flowers; and flowers that are positioned above or beyond the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Ingbigsawi’ characterized by its white with salmon red star flowers, early flowering, dark green foliage, bushy shaped growth habit with good basal branching, strong growing and good outdoor vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Ingmage’ characterized by its large, rounded, red flowers, early flowering, dark green foliage, ball shaped growth habit with excellent basal branching and good outdoor vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Ingscartwo’ characterized by its large red flowers, early flowering, dark green foliage, ball shaped growth habit with good basal branching and good outdoor vigor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Sedum, Sedum ‘Jaws’, characterized by its blue-green foliage that is unique in having leaves with deep, sharp serrated margins that are cupped with curled edges. The leaves resemble shark's teeth.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Floribunda rose plant is provided which abundantly forms on a nearly continuous basis attractive Cardinal red blossoms having five petals and a yellow eye. The plant exhibits strong vegetation, a low and compact growth habit, very dense medium green foliage with a glossy aspect, and good tolerance to Oidium. The attractive medium green glossy foliage contrasts nicely with the red blossom coloration. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in parks and gardens.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Balcabcher’ characterized by its deep cherry rose-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, mounded-trailing growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Persicaria plant characterized by its compact habit and multicolored leaves exhibiting a two-toned effect with the younger leaves dark purple brown and patterned while the older leaves are green and patterned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3, 4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connections allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.

Abstract: The snap-on steering column shroud assembly includes an upper shroud and a lower shroud. The upper shroud has an upper steering shaft passage portion that is positioned vertically, axially and angularly relative to the upper steering shaft. A front edge is moved toward the steering column to move upper shroud cantilever snap fasteners into engagement with the steering column. Force is applied manually to force the upper shroud snap fasteners into a retaining position. A lower shroud is aligned with the upper shroud by alignment posts and alignment post receivers and then raised into contact with the steering column. Lower shroud cantilevered snap fasteners are manually forced into a lower shroud retaining position on the steering column. Snap connectors and snap receivers connect the upper shroud to the lower shroud.

Abstract: A printer has a media transport with a rigid, air-transmissive platen. A movable air-transmissive flexible web overlays the platen. A suction device communicates with the platen to draw air through the web and through the platen such that a sheet of media carried on the web is biased toward the platen. A valve sheet overlays or underlies the platen, and includes a plurality of shut-off elements, each movable in response to temperature changes between a closed position in which the element contacts a portion of the platen to prevent air flow through that portion of the platen, and an open position, in which the element is spaced apart from the platen to admit air to the platen portion. The shut off elements may include resistive heaters and bimetallic strips so that application of electricity generates heat to flex the strip to an open position.

Abstract: An animal carcass incinerator designed to subject the entire external surface of the biomass material simultaneously to flame. The flame front burns inward toward the core of the material, greatly accelerating the burning process. Complete flame coverage of the biomass material is achieved by carefully shaping the internal surfaces of the incinerator. Burning gases are injected into a lower flame chamber. This lower flame chamber is bounded on its upper side by a grate, and on its remaining sides by the walls of the incinerator. Above the grate is a biomass chamber, where the animal carcasses or similar waste are deposited for incineration. The incinerator walls are lined with refractory insulating materials which incorporate a series of vertical flame channels. Likewise, the grate incorporates a series of vertical open channels. These channels are separated by raised ribs, which prevent the biomass materials from closing off the channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing both bubbles and streams of water that because of its unique geometry and design, will when oriented in any position prevent spillage of its bubble solution when filled to the fill line or below, and is capable of automatic and continuous bubble generation while simultaneously generating amusing water streams. It is principally intended for use by young children as a lawn water toy as well as a bubble creating device.

Abstract: Collapsible container comprising a bottom element (11) with openings (21) at the corners for disengagable attachment of two opposite gable walls (12, 13). The gable walls are connected to or are associated with supporting pillars (24) which are provided with slit shaped openings (31) for disengagable mounting of longitudinally arranged sidewall elements (14, 15) which have projecting hooks (28, 29) with notches (30) for engagement with the slit-shaped openings. Openings (39-44) are arranged in the bottom element (11) for disengagable attachment of a transversal partition wall (36). The sidewall elements (14, 15) each have a height dimension (A) which is one half of the width of the bottom element (11). The distance (B) between two sidewall elements (14, 15) is less than the depth of the notch (30) in the hooks (28, 29). The corner posts (22) of the gable walls (12, 13) are manufactured with a tubular profile with attachment slit openings (31) facing inwards, for attachment of shelves (33).

Abstract: The solar cell of the present invention includes a titanium dioxide semiconductor that is held between a pair of electrodes so that the titanium dioxide semiconductor and at least one of the electrodes form a rectification barrier.

Abstract: A power filter circuit for protecting electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference introduced by a supply system circuit includes a fault/condition sensing circuit capable of detecting whether the supply system circuit is properly wired. The sensing circuit controls switching circuits in accordance with the determination of whether the supply system is properly wired. The sensing circuit activates a first switching circuit to form a short circuit between the neutral and ground conductors of the power filter circuit when it is determined that the supply system circuit is properly wired. If any wiring fault conditions, including a reverse polarity wiring, is detected by the sensing circuit, the first switch is not activated and the short circuit is not formed between the neutral and ground conductors.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus for recording, reproducing or erasing an information signal by converging a light flux onto a recording layer through a transparent substrate. The apparatus includes one or a plurality of optical heads having a plurality of objective lenses whose aberrations have respectively been corrected for a plurality of disc substrates of different thicknesses, a cartridge for enclosing the optical disc, a discrimination hole which is formed on the cartridge, and a sensor for detecting the opening/closing state of the discrimination hole and for generating a discrimination signal. In accordance with the result of the discrimination as to the thickness of the loaded optical disc, the objective lens, in which the occurrence of the aberration is smallest, is used, so that the information signal can preferably be recorded, reproduced or erased onto/from the optical discs having different substrate thicknesses.

Abstract: A connecting device includes a bottom member with a periphery for attaching on a rotor of a motor, a circumferential wall which extends upwardly from the periphery, and a mounting arm which has an anchored end adapted for mounting the fan blade thereon and an anchoring end for anchoring on the bottom member such that the mounting arm is oriented in a radial direction relative to the bottom member by guidance of a guiding member. A tightening member is disposed to tighten the anchoring end relative to the bottom member through a clamping force generated in a circumferential direction of the bottom member when the anchoring end is pulled away from the bottom member in the radial direction. A retaining member is disposed between the tightening member and the anchored end in the radial direction, and has an engaging spring member that abuts against the circumferential wall once the anchoring end is moved away from the bottom member.

Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.

Abstract: A water-soluble polyvinylpyrridinium derivative containing a quaternary nitrogen and an anionic moiety selected from a sulfonate and/or a carboxylate functionality, said polyvinylpyrridinium derivative having the structure wherein a is a repeating unit of 1 to 100; b is a repeating unit of 0 to 99; c is a repeating unit of 0 to 99; d is a repeating unit of 0 1 to 99; R is selected from the group consisting of (CR1R2)m1, benzene, and substituted benzene; Y is selected from the group consisting of (CR3R4)m2, benzene, and substituted benzene; substituted benzene is independently a benzene substituted with a group selected from the group consisting of amino moeity moiety, nitro moiety, halogen moiety, and combinations thereof; Z is derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; m1 and m2 are independently 0 to 10; M+ is independently a cation wherein M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ammonia, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, copper, organic amines, amino acids, and amino sacc

Abstract: A catheter is described. In one embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment including a shaft segment uptake lumen and a shaft segment return lumen; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment, the distal end segment including a distal end segment uptake lumen and a distal end segment return lumen, where the distal end segment central axis forms a non-zero angle with the shaft segment central axis when the catheter is in its unstressed configuration. In a second embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment; where the uptake lumen distal end is terminated by a closed surface, further where the uptake lumen distal segment includes only one side hole. In a third embodiment, the catheter includes: an uptake lumen; and a return lumen; where at least a portion of the return lumen distal segment is helically coiled around the uptake lumen distal end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating quick and convenient putting-on and taking-off of various personal apparel and accessories, including a variety of protection and/or sporting equipment. One example includes a goalie pad including a protective portion configured to protect at least some portion of a leg of a person, and an adjustable portion coupled to the protective portion and including at least one adjustment mechanism configured to facilitate an adjustable fitting of the goalie pad to the person. The goalie pad further includes at least one attach/release mechanism, coupled to the protective portion and the adjustable portion, to facilitate at least one of a putting-on and a taking-off of the goalie pad to and from the person. In various aspects, putting-on and taking-off of the goalie pad may be performed without making any significant adjustments to the adjustment mechanism(s), and/or may be performed by a single act.

Abstract: A jacket is provided for a law-enforcement officer. The jacket includes a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive police equipment disposed within a secure area of the jacket and a closure disposed on each of the plurality of pockets having an orientation so that only a single hand of the law-enforcement officer is required to open each of the closures.

Abstract: The flashlight glove is a hand glove having at least a glove back portion and fingers having an LED flashlight held in a pocket of elastic web material located on the glove back portion. The LED flashlight is substantially contained within the pocket with the face facing toward said glove back portion, the actuation switch and extender button extending toward the glove back portion. The pocket is dimensioned so as to allow the extender button and actuation switch to remain in an inactive extended position upon the glove back portion and fingers being in a rest position with the wearer's palm open. The pocket is of material of such elasticity to force the extender button and actuation switch into a closed position upon the wearer clenching a partial fist and thereby stretching the pocket against the back of said LED flashlight.

Abstract: A glove having a string knit body has a leather palm which is assembled to the string knit body with a narrow band of fabric secured at its edges to the string knit body and the leather palm. Seams are turned inside the glove but outside the string knit body and the narrow band of fabric spaces the leather from the string knit body to improve comfort.

Abstract: An adjustable hat comprising: a material crown; a first axis situated on a first side of said crown; a second axis situated on a second side of said crown; a brim containing a frame having a first end and a second end; said first end engaging said first axis and said second end engaging said second axis, said brim being rotatably positioned about said material crown.

Abstract: A headwear piece or cap comprises a crown portion and a bill portion conjoined at one end with the crown portion. The bill portion includes a stiffening insert configured to fold in at least one location by way of an interior slot and adjoining terminal crease sections. Each terminal crease section is formed by the provision of oppositely disposed upper and lower indentations at each end of the interior slot. The foldable stiffening insert is sandwiched between two flexible layers.

Abstract: An enhanced mask system including a mask portion, for covering the nose, mouth and lower face of a wearer. The mask portion has an inner surface for being closer to the wearer and an outer surface for being further from the wearer. A head covering or balaclava is secured to the mask portion and a pocket secured to the inner surface of the mask portion removably contains the head covering or balaclava when in its secured position. The mask can be worn by the wearer either with the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head in a deployed position or without the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head and stowed in the pocket in the secured position.

Abstract: A chinstrap with a chin cup for a protective headgear that has a first side panel covering at least a portion of one side of the head of a user and a second side panel covering at least a portion of the opposite side of the head. The chinstrap includes a first free end attachment to the chin cup and extends laterally therefrom from cup and a second free end attached to the chin cup extending laterally therefrom opposite the first free end. A hook/loop fastening system is attached to the free ends of the chinstrap and chin cup whereby the free ends operatively engage the headgear and are releasable secured to the chin cup.

Abstract: Mounting apparatus is provided for a pool cover assembly having a plurality of pool cover components disposed in a pool cover box and used to operate a pool cover for a swimming pool. The mounting apparatus comprises an elongated member adapted to be attached to the pool cover box, and a mounting member adapted to removably couple at least one of the pool cover components to the elongated member. A method is provided for mounting a pool cover assembly having a plurality of pool cover components in a pool cover box for a swimming pool cover. The method comprises attaching an elongated member to the pool cover box, and removably coupling a mounting member supporting at least one of the pool cover components to the elongated member.

Abstract: A pool return nozzle assembly, wherein water enters through the gear sleeve assembly causing the turbine blade assembly to turn, which then causes the oscillation of the gear assembly and which then contributes to the revolution of the rotor head for smooth rotation. The assembly focuses on circulating water along the walls of the pool down to the radius and floor of the pool; therefore, enhancing the effectiveness of pool cleaning and return distribution of the water to the pool. The assembly can also be converted into a water fountain with its optional fountain design, which includes a spray head to create aesthetic water spray and fountain characteristics. Internal components are configured to allow water passageways that will direct sand particulates away from working components thereby providing a self-cleaning capability.